TRAVEL TIPS & TRICKS

Tips for Booking International Flights

March 22, 2022

As a travel advisor, people often ask for my ‘best practices’ when it comes to booking international flights. So here are my top tips.

COSTA RICA OVERVIEW
beach honeymoon ideas for every budget
Ten mistakes all-inclusive guests make
Now Trending:
I'm kathryn potter!

I'm an ocean-obsessed Midwesterner with a travel agency specializing in all-inclusive resort vacations & destination weddings.

My signature accessory is dog hair. My love language is witty sarcasm. I could eat Chipotle every day. I listen to Guns n Roses while decorating the Christmas tree because Welcome to the Jungle works in any situation. Try as I might, I just can’t quit the Real Housewives.

Get to know me better here!

hello,

Ready to Make Your Dream Trip Happen?

yes, please!

Book your free consultation call today & get one step closer to paradise!

Traveling internationally & need to book flights? Read on for tips and advice!

Flight Booking Tips

Research Using Google Flights

My favorite tool for searching different flight options is Google Flights. You can put in your home airport & destination airport and it will show you all of the major carrier flight times and prices. It’s a great starting point, but when it’s time to book….

Book Directly With the Airline

You will have a lot more control over your reservation when you book directly on the airline’s website. When you book through a third party (such as Expedia), you often cannot modify your flight on the airline’s website. Instead you’ll have to call Expedia & then have them make changes. This can mean a lot of time on hold & lots of frustration. Do yourself a favor & book direct. 

I also recommend signing up for the airline’s frequent flyer program, if you’re not already a member. If you have a Known Traveler Number (TSA Pre-check/Global Entry), you can tie that to your frequent flyer login, so any time you book with that airline your KTN is automatically attached to your ticket.

Basic Economy – Economy – Premium Economy

Who knew there were so many different kinds of seats in “coach.” All of the major airlines now have several different levels of “coach” seating. It’s important to understand some of the differences. I personally never book basic economy, as it’s a very restrictive ticket. Typically non refundable/non changeable, you’ll be the very last to board the plane (good luck finding bin space), and you cannot select your seat in advance (hello middle seat). Main Economy is the better choice, which gives you a lot more choice and flexibility. Premium Economy seats are usually located right behind First/Business class and have a bit more legroom, dedicated bin space & often include alcoholic beverages and upgraded snacks.

Additional Costs & Upsells

Pretty much every airline (except Southwest) charges for checked baggage these days. They also charge a premium for choosing an aisle or window seat in advance. Pay attention to weight limits on baggage, which is typically 50 pounds per bag. Although that’s not always the case, which brings me to….

Low-Cost Carriers

Airlines such as Frontier, Spirit, and Allegiant are known as ‘low-cost carriers.’ Their basic fares may be less expensive, but watch out for their added costs. They may charge for both checked AND carry-on bags. The weight limit may only be 40 pounds. They charge for refreshments onboard. They have a lot less routes, which means if your flight is canceled then you could be stuck for days.

Nonstop/Direct vs Layover(s)

In my opinion, you can’t beat a nonstop flight when traveling internationally. It’s going to be a long day of travel & a layover will add several hours to your travel time. Don’t mistake a “direct” flight for being nonstop. A direct flight means you don’t change planes, but you WILL stop at another airport before reaching your final destination. 

Check out this helpful website for searching nonstop flight schedules: Flights From

Of course, not all of us are lucky enough to have nonstop flight options available. So it’s important to give yourself ample time during layovers to make your connection. When returning to the United States, you’ll go through customs & immigration at your first stop in the USA. Then you’ll have to go through security again. This can easily take 90 minutes, so never book a connection of less than 2 hours when flying home.

Book Using the EXACT Name on Your Passport

When flying internationally, you’ll use your passport as your ID. This means your airline ticket must match the name on your passport. No nicknames. If you are married, but your passport still has your maiden name, then book your airline ticket in your maiden name.

Download the Airline App

Download the Airline App prior to your flight. When you log in (because you created a frequent flyer account, right??) all of your booked flights will be loaded on the app. It will alert you to any delays or changes. It can also be handy for tracking your checked baggage or using their in-flight entertainment.

When Is the Best Time to Book?

This is probably my most frequently asked question & the one I don’t have an answer for. If I knew when flights would be priced their lowest, then I’d probably be pretty rich because I figured out an unsolvable riddle. The truth is, nobody knows. Airline inventory is incredibly variable and can change at a moment’s notice. You’ve probably seen advice such as ‘book your flight on a Tuesday for the lowest rate,’ but in my nearly 9 years of working in travel, I haven’t noticed this to be true.

You can set up alerts to track prices for flights using Google Flights or Hopper. But my best advice is that if you see the flight at a price you’re comfortable paying, go ahead and book it. If you are traveling during a high demand time (such as over holidays or during Spring Break), book your flight as soon as it becomes available. The main airline carriers release their flight schedules about 11 months prior to departure. Southwest has a shorter lead-time, usually about 6 months in advance.

I hope this advice helps you book your next international flight with confidence! 

add a comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

so hot right now

I'm Kathryn, travel advisor & owner of KP Travel Group 

I’m your boots-on-the-ground, been-there-seen-that resort expert. In an age where the right angle and Instagram filter can turn a pigsty into a palace, I'll help you plan a vacation that really delivers on that picture-perfect promise.

more about me

hey there!

Find Your Perfect Destination Wedding Spot

get it now

FREE DOWNLOAD

5 Tips for Planning an All-Inclusive Vacation

read blog

blog post

Top Resources

Snag My Free Guide to the BEST Destinations with All-Inclusive Resorts

Craving a blissful vacation at an all-inclusive resort, but have no idea where to go? Then this guide is exactly what you're looking for!

Free guide

Best All-Inclusive Destinations

KP Travel Group is an independent contractor for Cruises and Tours Unlimited and a partner associate of Travel Concepts KC.

Home
ALL-INCLUSIVE RESORTS
About
DESTINATION WEDDINGS
blog

kp travel group

follow along 
on Instagram:

contact >

GET ON THE LIST >

@KPTRAVELGROUP >

© kp travel group 2024  |  LEGAL INFO  |  CST #2111810-40 Florida Seller of Travel Ref. No. ST15578 Washington UBID No. 603189022 Iowa Registered Agency No. 1666

HONEYMOONS
GROUP TRAVEL
reservations & payments